23.52°C Chris Allard has played everywhere from Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Albert Hall to the Montreux Jazz Festival and even the Great Sphinx in Cairo. Yet when we talk about his upcoming show at Colchester Arts Centre on Thursday, 6th August, it’s the local venue that gets the warmest response.
The guitarist’s latest project, Dreamweavers, sees him working alongside producer Mike Trim on music that draws from contemporary jazz while refusing to stay in one lane. Rock, folk, blues, Latin and Eastern influences all find their way into the sound, creating something that’s as melodic as it is adventurous.
I ask how the project first took shape.
“It grew out of an ongoing collaboration between myself and producer Mike Trim,” Chris says. “The idea was to bring together contemporary composition and improvisation, featuring a band of like-minded friends who are all fantastic musicians, with sonic design using new production techniques.
“We didn’t want to feel restricted by genre, so we’ve combined lots of different musical influences while hopefully creating a cohesive sound that’s also accessible.”
That approach carries through to the live show, although Chris is quick to point out that audiences shouldn’t expect an evening of one thing.
“We’ll be playing two sets of around 50 minutes each, featuring original music that’s varied throughout. There are energetic moments, meditative moments, rocky sections, space-age textures, earthy grooves, jazz-infused improvisation and atmospheric soundscapes.
“It’s also a fantastic venue with a brilliant sound and atmosphere, so we’re really looking forward to it.”
Joining Chris on stage are Jim Watson on piano and keyboards, Dudley Phillips on bass and Chris Higginbottom on drums and percussion. Between them, they have decades of experience, but familiarity hasn’t made the music predictable.
“I’m always inspired – and slightly intimidated – to play with such fantastic musicians,” Chris said. “That’s exactly what helps raise your game.
“We’ve played together in lots of different bands over the years, but everyone brings a really high level of musicianship and focus, and they’re all incredibly easy to play with. There’s also a lot of improvisation involved, so every performance develops in its own way.”
Although his career has taken him around the world, Colchester Arts Centre still occupies a special place.
“I’ve been going there since I was a child,” he says. “I genuinely think it’s one of the best venues of its kind anywhere. The ethos of the place is fantastic; the sound and atmosphere are excellent; the piano is superb; and the new PA system is brilliant.
“They always have first-class sound and lighting engineers and, as anyone coming along will discover, they’ve also got the most amazing new toilets!”
Dreamweavers is still in its early days, but there’s no shortage of new music. The band’s debut album, Woven in Time, has been followed by work on Citadel, due later this year, while another record is already underway.
“I really hope we’re only just getting started because that’s certainly how it feels,” Chris says. “We’ve already finished another album, which is due for release later this year, and we’re also working on the one after that.
“We’ll be playing some brand-new material from both unreleased albums in Colchester, so the audience will definitely get an early taste of what’s coming next.”
For anyone who enjoys live music that rewards attentive listening without ever losing sight of melody, Dreamweavers promises an evening that’s difficult to pigeonhole yet easy to enjoy. If you’re curious to hear where contemporary jazz can meet everything from folk to rock in the hands of four outstanding musicians, this is a good place to start.
Chris Allard: Dreamweavers play Colchester Arts Centre on Thursday, 6th August. Tickets are £16 /£15 concessions and available online via the Colchester Arts Centre website.
